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Finca Hekiti specializes in the quality of the processes to guarantee the taste of cacao. Starting with the selective harvest, where we separate the varieties of cacao, and the post-harvest of fresh cacao. During the fermentation we make sure to control the processes to guarantee our quality, giving added value.
Our efforts began with the cofounding of the Rincón Farmers Market in 2008, where the cooperative model inspired the Aguadilla Farmers Market as well as the Old San Juan Farmers Market (at the time there was only on the island at the San Juan Roosevelt Farmers Market).
Since then we have dedicated our time to promoting sustainable forms of agriculture, particularly agroforestry which provides a harmonic and balanced existence between humans and all of the life within the forest and the cycles of said forest.
Our efforts have moved into an alliance with Para La Naturaleza, a Puertorican organization with the goal of protecting 33% of the islands ecosystems by the year 2033. We have started with our 9 acre agroforestry project to become one of their conservation easements to assure that the forrest will not be unnecessarily disturbed for perpetuity.
Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits. It has been practiced around the world for centuries.
For a management practice to be called agroforestry, it typically must satisfy the four "i"s:
There are five widely recognized categories of agroforestry in the United States:
Alley cropping means planting crops between rows of trees to provide income while the trees mature. The system can be designed to produce fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, herbs, bioenergy feedstocks, and more.
Forest farming operations grow food, herbal, botanical, or decorative crops under a forest canopy that is managed to provide ideal shade levels as well as other products. Forest farming is also called multi-story cropping.
Silvopasture combines trees with livestock and their forages on one piece of land. The trees provide timber, fruit, or nuts as well as shade and shelter for livestock and their forages, reducing stress on the animals from the hot summer sun, cold winter winds, or a downpour.
Riparian forest buffers are natural or re-stablished areas along rivers and streams made up of trees, shrubs, and grasses. These buffers can help filter farm runoff while the roots stabilize the banks of streams, rivers, lakes and ponds to prevent erosion. These areas can also support wildlife and provide another source of income.
Windbreaks shelter crops, animals, buildings, and soil from wind, snow, dust, and odors. These areas can also support wildlife and provide another source of income. They are also called shelterbelts, hedgerows, or living snow fences.
*USDA Agroforestry Strategic Framework: Fiscal Year 2019-2024
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.